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$1,500 reward in buck’s trophy poaching

Wildlife officials are seeking the public’s help in finding the person or people responsible for illegally killing a buck mule deer near Parachute last week and taking only the animal’s substantial antlers and its head, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The buck had been visible along the roadside of County Road 300 within the past two weeks. Parks and Wildlife officials believe the animal was killed late the night of Nov. 7, or early the morning of Nov. 8. Wildlife officials found the animal’s carcass on the north side of County Road 300 across from High Mesa Road.

“It was a nice buck, and several people had seen it recently,” District Wildlife Manager Elissa Knox said in a news release.

People caught taking trophy parts from animals and poaching in general can be subjected to hefty fines and, in some instances, face felony charges.

A $500 reward is offered for anyone who produces information leading to a citation in this case. Operation Game Thief is offering that reward. In addition, Williams Petroleum and Encana each are matching the $500 reward for a total reward of $1,500. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office in Grand Junction at 970-255-6100. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648.

Parks and Wildlife spokesman Mike Porras said wildlife officers deal with poaching all year long, but the majority of hunters act responsibly and ethically.

“Wildlife in Colorado belongs to all the people,” he said. “When anyone poaches they do it from everybody. By doing this, poachers are illegally taking game from legal hunters, not to mention wasting meat. A full-grown, big-game animal can feed quite a bit of people.”